Good things often happen in the bedroom, a space typically associated with rest and renewal. In 2004, Sam Nda-Isaiah and his wife, Zainab, conceived the idea for a newspaper there. Zainab recalls how, in the early hours of the morning, her husband scribbled a few notes in a jotter and asked for her thoughts on potential names and sketches. While that was not the day the newspaper began, it marked the inception of an idea that would eventually lead to the creation of LEADERSHIP. This venture has evolved from its modest beginnings into a respected news content company featuring some of Nigeria’s most fearless and authoritative news brands. Let’s revisit the years that contributed to this remarkable growth.
Sam Nda-Isaiah, fondly known as Sam, was both a journalist and a pharmacist. His father, Clement, was a prominent newspaper deskman in Northern Nigeria, renowned for his interest in sports. Clement worked with the New Nigerian in Kaduna, earning a reputation that extended beyond the local realm.
Sam transitioned to journalism after studying Pharmacy at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ife and briefly working at Pfizer. This change in career might seem accidental, but it was more likely a reflection of his heritage. He initially joined Daily Trust, one of the emerging newspapers at the time, as a columnist.
After several years of writing columns, Sam compiled his selected works into a book titled Nigeria: Full Disclosure before embarking on his newspaper journey. However, this endeavor required substantial groundwork. Prior to launching the newspaper, he created a newsletter called LEADERSHIP Confidential, which provided an exclusive glimpse into the lives, politics, and power dynamics among Abuja’s elite, attracting readers from embassies and the political elite.
Among the anonymous contributors to the newsletter were influential figures such as Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Malam Abba Kyari, Adamu Adamu, Mamman Daura, Abba Mahmood, and Adamu Suleiman, who were privy to the government’s inner workings. Yet, Sam was not satisfied with just a newsletter; he had grander ambitions.
With funds raised from the launch of Full Disclosure, which amounted to approximately N20 million at the time, he assembled a small team. This team included Nnamdi Samuel, Abraham Nda-Isaiah, Uche Ezechukwu, Demola Abimboye, Winifred Ogbebo, Douglas Ejembi, and Audee Giwa, among his earliest staff members. They released a preview towards the end of September 2004, leading up to the maiden edition of LEADERSHIP on October 4, dedicated to God and country.